Hi, Excited to Meet You!
Peter Andrew Danzig is a Psychotherapist (LSW), Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consultant, Somatic Trainer and Artist/Creativity Researcher in the Greater Philadelphia region. In 2021, Peter was appointed as the Director of Training and Capacity Building in the Mayor’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Peter’s research and practice interests are invested in play therapy, community mental health, theories on adult play and the ways it frames our social interactions, and trauma informed work with artists and creatives. Peter’s clinical approach is rooted in holistic, relational and humanistic theory. They believe in a strengths-based perspective, recognizing the resiliency in their clients. Peter hopes to always create a supportive and safe space to help clients and organizations navigate trauma, conflict, and difficult life transitions with clear and focused goals. Peter firmly believes in the therapeutic relationship between therapist and client and strives to support their clients in a myriad of ways. Their focus is to help Creatives, LGBTQ+ and marginalized people find strength amongst a polarizing environment, empowering them to appreciate their strongest instrument, their selves. Peter’s research focuses on the ways in which our minds and bodies are often separated through trauma and looks for healing approaches in which to strengthen our fragmented selves. They are also a Certified Trauma Professional and Certified Geek Therapist.
Peter’s research and Op-Eds have been featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Gay News, The Mighty, and others. You can also find Peter serving as a motivational speaker, panelist, and conference workshop coach. Their passion is creative approaches to industrial psychology and organizational dynamics and finds it thrilling to help organizations engage with difficult dialogues around diversity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.
Prior to their work in mental health and organizational dynamics, Peter worked in the arts and administration at the University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Moore College of Art. Peter received his MA as an Acting Scholar from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Temple University. Peter received their MSS in Social Work (clinical concentration) at Bryn Mawr College and was the L. Diane Bernard Fund for LGBTQ and Human Sexuality Scholar recipient and the Joyce Lewis Memorial Fund: Named Scholar. Peter has experience providing senior leadership development, stategic planning and though leadership, case management and counseling in a variety of settings including hospitals, higher education, and non-profit arts agencies. In 2014, Peter founded Theatrical Trainer, a non-profit research collective dedicated to social service and wellness for artists across the country. They also teach body science, movement and theater arts at Drexel University, University of the Arts and others.
"I am drawn now to research the ways in which the therapy that people find through the interdisciplinary approach to the arts can be paralleled in clinical approach to result in resolution, healing expression, comfort and community. What happens when you use stage-combat as a means of exploring aggression? Can photography with a worded statement allow people to find the voice and words they can’t bear to utter aloud? Can dance allow someone to be present with their body and escape anxiety and fear? These are the questions that have been fueling my research and passion."- Peter Andrew Danzig
Their future goals and scholaly approaches gravitate towards researching the creative mind and social factors as to why this population (creative types, artists, performers) are easily susceptible to mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction. Dedicated to creating a safe space for this population and furthering research in the field to provide wellness opportunities to a population often unable to find options due to financial and social stigmas.
In their spare time, Peter is an exercise enthusiast, pop-music connoisseur and all around proud geek. You can find them enjoying time with their French bulldogs and husband nerding out over Sailor Moon and cooking shows.
Intersections: Peter identifies as a LatinX, GenderQueer person with in invisible disability. Peter also identifies as a first generation college, adopted, trauma survivor. They believe in breaking down stigma through transparency of lived experience.
Peter’s research and Op-Eds have been featured in Psychology Today, The Wall Street Journal, Philadelphia Gay News, The Mighty, and others. You can also find Peter serving as a motivational speaker, panelist, and conference workshop coach. Their passion is creative approaches to industrial psychology and organizational dynamics and finds it thrilling to help organizations engage with difficult dialogues around diversity, inclusion, and emotional wellbeing.
Prior to their work in mental health and organizational dynamics, Peter worked in the arts and administration at the University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, and Moore College of Art. Peter received his MA as an Acting Scholar from Villanova University and his undergraduate degree from Temple University. Peter received their MSS in Social Work (clinical concentration) at Bryn Mawr College and was the L. Diane Bernard Fund for LGBTQ and Human Sexuality Scholar recipient and the Joyce Lewis Memorial Fund: Named Scholar. Peter has experience providing senior leadership development, stategic planning and though leadership, case management and counseling in a variety of settings including hospitals, higher education, and non-profit arts agencies. In 2014, Peter founded Theatrical Trainer, a non-profit research collective dedicated to social service and wellness for artists across the country. They also teach body science, movement and theater arts at Drexel University, University of the Arts and others.
"I am drawn now to research the ways in which the therapy that people find through the interdisciplinary approach to the arts can be paralleled in clinical approach to result in resolution, healing expression, comfort and community. What happens when you use stage-combat as a means of exploring aggression? Can photography with a worded statement allow people to find the voice and words they can’t bear to utter aloud? Can dance allow someone to be present with their body and escape anxiety and fear? These are the questions that have been fueling my research and passion."- Peter Andrew Danzig
Their future goals and scholaly approaches gravitate towards researching the creative mind and social factors as to why this population (creative types, artists, performers) are easily susceptible to mental health diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and addiction. Dedicated to creating a safe space for this population and furthering research in the field to provide wellness opportunities to a population often unable to find options due to financial and social stigmas.
In their spare time, Peter is an exercise enthusiast, pop-music connoisseur and all around proud geek. You can find them enjoying time with their French bulldogs and husband nerding out over Sailor Moon and cooking shows.
Intersections: Peter identifies as a LatinX, GenderQueer person with in invisible disability. Peter also identifies as a first generation college, adopted, trauma survivor. They believe in breaking down stigma through transparency of lived experience.
Certifications and Licensure
Certifications
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LicensesLSW: SW137124
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Education
Bryn Mawr College Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research; Bryn Mawr, PA
Master of Social Service, May 2020
Concentration: Clinical Social Work, Policy and Practice
Research Interests: Creativity and Trauma Informed Practice, LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Sexuality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Philadelphia Connections Enhanced Placement Program; Philadelphia, PA
Certificate of Completion, May 2019
Grant based recipient
Seminar/Test Program specializing in: DSM-5 Diagnostics,
Psychopharmacology, Suicide Risk Assessment, Intellectual Disability, Community Behavioral Health
Villanova University; Villanova, PA
Master of Arts in Theater, May 2014
Full tuition scholarship recipient, Acting Scholar
Thesis Research: Mental health and advocacy for resources for marginalized artists
University of Massachusetts, Arts Extension Service; Amherst Non-Profit Arts Management Certificate, 2012
Temple University; Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Communications, 2006
Graduated cum laude, Dean’s list
Theater Department Scholarship Recipient
Concentration: Acting and performance
Master of Social Service, May 2020
Concentration: Clinical Social Work, Policy and Practice
Research Interests: Creativity and Trauma Informed Practice, LGBTQ+ Mental Health and Sexuality, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Philadelphia Connections Enhanced Placement Program; Philadelphia, PA
Certificate of Completion, May 2019
Grant based recipient
Seminar/Test Program specializing in: DSM-5 Diagnostics,
Psychopharmacology, Suicide Risk Assessment, Intellectual Disability, Community Behavioral Health
Villanova University; Villanova, PA
Master of Arts in Theater, May 2014
Full tuition scholarship recipient, Acting Scholar
Thesis Research: Mental health and advocacy for resources for marginalized artists
University of Massachusetts, Arts Extension Service; Amherst Non-Profit Arts Management Certificate, 2012
Temple University; Philadelphia, PA
Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Communications, 2006
Graduated cum laude, Dean’s list
Theater Department Scholarship Recipient
Concentration: Acting and performance